Exchange Student Program The Soka University is presently engaged in academic exchange agreement
with 96 universities in the world. In the Philippines, U.P . had entered
into this agreement with the Soka University in 1988, and De La Sale in
1996. Every year, two exchange students from each university are dispatched.
Aside from that, because this is the only English speaking country in
Asia, many Soka University students came here to study at their own expense.
Furthermore, short term language training program is launched in Kalayan
College where Dr. Abueva, a friend of President Ikeda, serves as principal.
File 010: May 2007
Naoko Okimoto (Alumna of Soka University)
Hi! I am Naoko Okimoto (maiden name: Naoko Akizumi).
The first time I visited the Philippines was from February to March 1991 as a participant of Soka University’s 2nd Intensive English Study Program for three weeks at the University of the Philippines (UP). Then, I stayed and studied in UP for one year as one of the 5th exchange students from Soka University from April 1993 to April 1994.
10 years later, I met my husband who had been working in the Philippines
since 2001. After our wedding, I quit my job in Hiroshima and returned
to the Philippines again as a housewife. I have enjoyed living here since
September 2005.
School Days in the Philippines
at the dormitory of UP (in 1993)
Ikeda Hall (in 1993)
I was 19 years old, at the end of my first year in Soka University, when I joined the 2nd Intensive English Study Program in UP and it has changed my life. It was my first trip abroad. The beautiful sunset in Manila Bay and the very kind Filipino students in UP attracted me so much and made me determined to come back again to the Philippines as an exchange student, although it was a tough challenge for me as the only language I could speak then was Japanese.
Then, after two years of studying English hard, I was able to be one of the fifth batch of exchange students to study in UP for one year. SGI Philippines General Director Niitsu invited us to come here earlier in April, although the classes in UP started in June, to welcome Dr. Ikeda’s visit in May 1993.
Dr. Ikeda visited the Philippines for the opening of Ikeda Hall (also known as Balay Kalinaw) in UP Diliman. While in Manila, he received the Juan Luna Award from the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) among other things. Soka students including our 4th batch of students met Sensei at an elevator hall of Diamond Hotel where he was staying, and he talked to each of us, telling us: “I know, I know your situation”. It was an unforgettable encounter with my mentor in life.
My life in UP was in a dormitory with limited water and electricity. “Brown-outs” were a serious day to day problem at that time. I also needed to check every morning if water was flowing and had to save water in a big pail that I shared with my roommates. Nevertheless, I enjoyed it for I knew I would never experience that in Japan. The joy of associating with many wonderful friends and learning new things overwhelmed these difficulties and I really loved and enjoyed my stay here.
Unforgettable Memories
with WD members
at the free-school in Payatas
I was also impressed by my Young Women’s Division (YWD) friend, Ms. Dalisay Callosa(-Serrano). She was the headquarters Vice-YWD Chief then. She always took a bus for three hours from her house in Sucat, Parañaque, in the south of Metro Manila, to pick me up in UP Diliman. We went together for two more hours by another bus for a meeting or house-to-house in Novaliches, which is in the north of Metro Manila! I was very happy to see her again and also Ms. Mary Jane Chua(-Musca), the headquarters YWD Chief then. Now Dalisay is a mother of three children and a National Young Mrs. Assistant in charge, and Ate Mary Jane is the National Young Mrs. in Charge. I am very proud of their continued efforts and activities serving as leaders of our generation.
I was also able to participate in a two-day training session of Young Mrs. at the Grand Culture Center in Tagaytay City last year. As I was the only Japanese participant (except for Mrs. Shibata who gave us some guidance as the Women’s Division (WD) leader). The meeting was basically conducted in Tagalog. After each session, I asked some of the other members about the meaning of the words I didn’t understand. Thanks to their help, I really enjoyed the training. Some Chinese participants only speak Chinese. When they spoke, the bilingual Chinese-Filipino members also helped them to interpret from Chinese to Tagalog and vice-versa. I found out that whatever language they spoke, we all have the same conviction in our faith.
Furthermore, I was also able to participate in the Women's Division General
Meetings here in the Philippines last year and this year. I also shared
my experience with other participants as all my dreams regarding my job
in Japan, marriage and my coming back to the Philippines again came true
through my chanting of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. I was so impressed in learning
that the annual WD General Meetings is being conducted to commemorate Dr.
Ikeda's visit to the Philippines in 1993 – when I met him as an exchange
student. Now I am very happy to attend the WD General Meetings as a Women's
Division member!
Aside from being a housewife, a Women's Division and a Young Mrs. member,
I enjoyed various activities including studying Tagalog, working part-time
as a temporary staff, visiting a free-school at the foot of a dumpsite
in Payatas, traveling to Bataan and other provinces. As it was the very
first phase of my married life, sometimes I found difficulty in balancing
these activities and my house chores. To establish a happy family, I need
to train myself to work more effectively based on sincere prayers.
My Determination
with her husband
Now 16 years have passed since my first visit to the Philippines. I am very happy and thankful at the same time to have the opportunity to see this country from different perspectives as a student and as a Young Mrs. But still I have not yet paid the debt of gratitude to the Philippines for letting me stay here, and giving me such nice experiences.
So from now on, I will continue to train myself to be capable to contribute
to this beloved country and people wherever I am and whatever I do. Someday,
I would like to come back here again with my happy family and I want to
be a person who can pay our debt of gratitude. Thank you so much!
